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Science News for March 1, 2021


Supertest evaluates performance of engineering students in Russia, the United States, India, China

The Supertest study assesses the academic performance of engineering students in four countries, revealing notable differences in critical thinking skills. Russian students excel in mathematics and physics at the start of their studies, while Chinese students perform better overall. However, Chinese students' critical thinking skills d...

Hotter, drier, CRISPR: editing for climate change

Scientists at the University of Queensland are using gene editing technologies to develop crops that can thrive in extreme and variable climate conditions. By integrating CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing into modern breeding programs, researchers aim to increase crop resilience and nutritional quality, ensuring global food security.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·DateMar 1, 2021

How 'great' was the great oxygenation event?

Researchers found evidence of oxygen-using enzymes in ancient bacteria and archaea, dating back 3 billion years before the Great Oxygenation Event. This suggests that life forms already utilized oxygen long before the main event, which allowed for the evolution of humans and other oxygen-breathing organisms.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 1, 2021

Model for wildlife tourism

A new tool helps managers balance benefits and drawbacks of wildlife tourism, considering factors like conservation, animal welfare, and ecosystem impacts. The framework reveals the wholistic acceptability of white shark cage-diving and identifies areas for improvement.

SourceFlinders University·JournalConservation Letters·DateMar 1, 2021

Breast cancer screening recalls: simple MRI measurement could avoid 30% of biopsies

A research team from MedUni Vienna has confirmed a threshold value for a non-invasive imaging biomarker in breast cancer screening. This can be incorporated into short standard MRI scans to reduce biopsy rates by 30%. DWI, a special MRI technique, measures the motion of water molecules and can indicate whether a biopsy is necessary.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 1, 2021

Addressing a complex world of pain in a single gene difference

A single letter difference in a gene leads to sickle cell disease affecting 20 million worldwide, with varying life expectancy depending on social and environmental factors. A new review calls for integrative studies to better understand the disease globally and develop locally-appropriate interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Genetics·DateMar 1, 2021

Education, interest in alternative medicine associated with believing misinformation

A study by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with lower education levels and those who have a positive attitude towards alternative medicine are more susceptible to believing misinformation on healthcare topics. The researchers also discovered that people who fell for misinformation on one topic were more li...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMar 1, 2021

New study challenges 'established' mechanism about selectivity of cellular ion channels

A team of researchers from the University of Fukui and Kanazawa University have challenged the long-held assumption that potassium channels are highly selective for potassium ions. Their findings indicate that sodium ions can also pass through these channels, with a conductance one-eightieth that of potassium ions.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021

Cybersecurity researchers build a better 'canary trap'

A new artificial intelligence system, WE-FORGE, generates fake documents to protect intellectual property and make it difficult for adversaries to identify the real document. The system, designed at Dartmouth College, uses natural language processing to create believable and incorrect documents.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalACM Transactions on Management Information Systems·DateMar 1, 2021

Virtually unlimited solar cell experiments

Osaka University researchers employed machine learning to design new polymers for photovoltaic devices, virtually screening over 200,000 candidate materials. They found promising properties consistent with predictions, leading to potential breakthroughs in functional material discovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 1, 2021

Oncotarget: Identification intermediate-risk subgroups in metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

A recent study published in Oncotarget identified elevated platelet counts as a prognostic factor for poor outcomes in patients with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, particularly those classified as intermediate-risk. These findings highlight the importance of stratification models in guiding treatment decisions and design c...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMar 1, 2021

New cancer scan could guide brain surgery

A new type of ultrasound scan, shear wave elastography, has been shown to detect residual cancerous tissue in the brain more sensitively than traditional methods. The technique, which measures tissue stiffness and stretchiness, could improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateMar 1, 2021

UNESCO listing for AusStage

AusStage, a digital humanities platform preserving Australian live performance history, has been awarded a UNESCO Memory of the World accolade. The recognition highlights the importance of preserving artistic activity and its impact on understanding Australia's cultural heritage.

COVID-19 lockdown highlights ozone chemistry in China

A COVID-19 lockdown in Northern China led to a significant decrease in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions but an increase in ground-level ozone pollution. Researchers found that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were driving the increased ozone production, as NOx levels scavenged radicals and prevented ozone formation during summer months.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021

Africans have authored just 3% of COVID-19 research

Despite Africa being home to 17% of the world's population, African authors account for only 3% of COVID-19 research papers. Analysis of top medical journals reveals a significant underrepresentation of African authors and perspectives in global health literature.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateMar 1, 2021

Scientists describe 'hidden biodiversity crisis' as variation within species is lost

A new study highlights the importance of preserving intraspecific variation within species, which supports essential ecological functions and benefits nature provides for people. The loss of this variation can have serious ecological consequences, including boom-bust population cycles and reduced medicinal properties in plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 1, 2021

High-performance electrocatalysts to propel development of direct ethanol fuel cells

Direct ethanol fuel cells have high energy density, low toxicity, and easy operation, but lack robust electrocatalysts for anodic ethanol oxidation. The study proposes alloying effects with core-shell construction to optimize Pd shell surfaces, achieving highest mass activity and specific activity for catalyzing ethanol electro-oxidation

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateMar 1, 2021

Most dollars spent on top-selling orphan drugs don't go to treat people with rare diseases

A new study by University of Michigan and Boston University researchers found that only 21% of dollars spent on 15 top-selling partial orphan drugs went to treating rare diseases, while 70% went to common diseases. This raises questions about whether the benefits of orphan drug status are always warranted for these drugs.

Covid-19: How to do lockdown? Russian scientists may have an answer

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University modified the SIR model to include individuals in isolation or quarantine. Their results show that total isolation early on can significantly reduce the spread of disease and bring an earlier end to the pandemic. The modified SEIR model has been tested on data from St...

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalInternational Journal of Technology·DateMar 1, 2021

Deciphering the genetics behind eating disorders

A recent study analyzing over 20,000 genomes found similarities and differences in genetic patterns among anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. The research team discovered that while these eating disorders share genetic risk with psychiatric disorders, they differ in their association with body weight regulation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateMar 1, 2021

The missing trillions

A new study estimates that the externalities of coal, oil, and gas are worth trillions of dollars, with coal accounting for nearly 60% of energy externalities. The research highlights the market failure of the world's energy systems, suggesting that factoring in these costs could make fossil fuelled power stations economically unviable.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateMar 1, 2021

Top diversity and equity leaders in psychiatry offer guidelines for academic medicine

DEI leaders in academic medicine face growing expectations without sufficient resources. A new article offers guidelines for departments to support their efforts, including elevating the title, clear job responsibilities, and financial compensation. The authors aim to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2021

Increase in medicaid managed care for youth linked to slightly more preventive care

Youth Medicaid enrollment in managed care increased from 65% in 2000 to 94% in 2017, but preventive care coverage fell short of the 80% goal. The study found significant increases in preventive care services in 17 states and decreases in six states, with Tennessee seeing the largest increase and North Carolina the largest decrease.

Stressed-out young oysters may grow less meat on their shells

A study found that early exposure to heat and low oxygen can leave lasting scars on oysters' ability to grow tissue. Oysters invested more in growing their shells than tissue when exposed to the double punch of low oxygen and warmer waters. This could pose a problem for anyone involved in the seafood industry.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 1, 2021

Watch: Recycled cotton becomes new fabric

Researchers at Lund University develop a method to convert cotton into sugar, which can be turned into spandex, nylon, or ethanol. The process involves soaking fabrics in sulphuric acid, producing a clear, dark amber-coloured sugar solution with potential uses in various industries.

SourceLund University·JournalWaste Management·DateMar 1, 2021

Global warming poses threat to food chains

A new study reveals that global warming can reduce energy transfer in plankton food webs by up to 56%, threatening the survival of larger animals. Warmer temperatures cause metabolic rates to accelerate faster than growth rates, leading to less efficient energy flow and reduced biomass.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2021

High school students tend to get more motivated over time

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that increasing students' sense of belonging in school is a key way to boost academic motivation. Over two years, the study followed more than 1,600 students and found that most shifted towards more adaptive profiles with better motivational characteristics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateMar 1, 2021

New treatment unlocks potential for baking raspberries

Washington State University scientists have developed a method to treat raspberries before freezing, allowing them to maintain their structure when thawed. The treatment involves infusing berries with pectin and calcium, partially drying them, and coating them with an edible layer, resulting in reduced syneresis and improved texture.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood and Bioprocess Technology·DateMar 1, 2021

Cell culture engineering webinars

The Cell Culture Engineering XVII Conference has been postponed due to COVID-19, prompting two webinars to be held instead. The first webinar focuses on vaccines, highlighting their safety, efficacy, and global distribution. The second webinar explores therapeutic approaches using antibodies and biologics to neutralize the virus.

Bottling the world's coldest plasma

Rice University physicists have discovered a way to trap the world's coldest plasma in a magnetic bottle, advancing research into clean energy, space weather, and astrophysics. The ultracold plasma has applications for studying solar wind interactions, fusion power, and understanding plasma behavior in complex locations.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 2021

Neanderthal and early modern human culture co-existed alongside older traditions for 100,000 years

Research reveals the Acheulean stone tool tradition persisted for tens of thousands of years longer than thought, overlapping with Neanderthal and early modern human cultures. The study used statistical techniques to reconstruct the end of the Acheulean period, shedding new light on the transition between technologies.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateMar 1, 2021

Goodbye UTIs: Duke scientists develop vaccine strategy for urinary tract infections

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new vaccination strategy to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). In tests in mice, the vaccine administered directly to the bladder effectively cleared bacteria. The study suggests that reprogramming the body's immune response could be key to fighting off UTIs.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021

Reinforced by policies, charters segregate schools

Research from Cornell University finds that charter schools have contributed to increased school segregation and a decline in residential segregation. The study analyzed over 1,500 metropolitan school districts and found a link between charter school enrollment and racial sorting among families.

SourceCornell University·JournalDemography·DateMar 1, 2021

UBCO economist says private security systems bar others from protection

New research by Dr. Ross Hickey suggests that private security systems are diverting police resources from those who need them most, exacerbating existing inequities in public protection. This can include households with lower incomes or those living on the street, which may not be receiving the same level of policing services.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Public Economic Theory·DateMar 1, 2021